Gengetone music is making a new comeback. Kenya’s Gengetone music, a lively style that became very popular in the late 2010s, is making a strong comeback in 2025. Fans and artists are excited to see it return.
For a while, it was not as popular because of newer music styles like Arbantone. Now, Gengetone is coming back with new songs, smart partnerships, and a focus on its original, street-inspired vibe.
The revival started earlier this year when the famous Gengetone group Ochungulo Family—made up of NellytheGoon, Dmore, and Benzema—came back after being away for a long time.
On January 17, they released a new song along with a music video, sparking excitement and nostalgia online.
Fans shared their joy on social media, with comments like, “My favourite Genge group is back—I used to pray for times like these,” showing how much people missed this music.
Other influential artists are also joining the revival. Ethic Entertainment, known as one of the genre’s original creators with their 2018 hit “Lamba Lolo,” released a new song called “Amigos” in March.
This song mixes Gengetone’s lively energy with polished production, and people are saying it could be a big hit.
“This is just the beginning,” said Dennis, the group’s manager, hinting at more new music ahead.
The comeback isn’t just for older artists. New talents like Fathermoh and Ssaru, along with groups such as Mbuzi Gang, are bringing fresh energy to the scene with songs that combine Gengetone’s fast beats and bold language with new influences.
Streaming services like Spotify report that Gengetone playlist streams have increased by 88% since 2024, with the popular “Gengetone Fire” playlist getting over 15 million plays, mostly from Kenya’s younger listeners.
Experts believe the revival is happening because of a mix of nostalgia and growth. “Gengetone never really went away—it just took a break,” said Nyota Parker, a music curator at Spotify East Africa.
“Artists are refining the sound, working together with other countries, and using trends from platforms like TikTok to reach new fans.” The genre is also becoming more popular in the U.S., U.K., Tanzania, and Uganda.
However, some people are not sure if the comeback will last. Critics point out past problems, like disagreements between group members, bans on explicit lyrics, and a lack of business planning that caused Gengetone to lose popularity by 2022.
But fans believe that the genre’s ability to change is its greatest strength. “It’s evolving and not just repeating what it used to be,” said rapper Muthoni Drummer Queen, a strong supporter of Kenyan music.
As 2025 goes on, everyone is watching what Gengetone will do next. With festivals like Nyege Nyege and radio stations like Gengetone Radio promoting the music, along with hints of international collaborations, the genre’s next chapter could be even bigger than its first.